Teenager admits to church fire

A 17-year-old Norwegian boy has finally admitted starting the fire that destroyed Østre Porsgrunn Church on April 11. The boy had already been charged in the fire, along with an 18-year-old companion.

The Østre Porsgrunn Church will be rebuilt. PHOTO: Den norske kirken

Both were arrested once again earlier this week, because police suspect them of also being behind a fire near Borgestad Church the same night. The 17-year-old admitted to arson in that case as well. His companion has not admitted to arson in either church fire.

The historic Østre Porsgrunn Church burned to the ground just before the annual Easter services at the church were to begin, and on the eve of the spring confirmation season. The fire that destroyed the church, opened in 1760, was a major loss for the community in Porsgrunn, about a two-hour drive southwest of Oslo.

The nearby Borgestad Church was also hit the same night but damage was not severe.